The best thing about Trump, from my perspective, is that the overwhelming shortcomings of his personality discredited his ideology and divisive rhetoric, at least in the short run. We’re not likely to be so lucky the next time.
Ron DeSantis believes in using his bully pulpit to divide his constituents and own the libs almost as much as Trump does, but in all other respects, he is a more respectable face for reactionary thought than the man on golf cart. He’s qualified for the job; he’s capable of embracing popular causes on the left if it helps him politically; he isn’t corrupt; and he is unlikely to lead an insurrection if he loses.
Running against Trump in 2024 would be simple–make him and his administration the issue, sit back, and watch him self-destruct again. Beating DeSantis would be far more difficult. Trump is obviously a greater danger to liberal democracy; DeSantis is a threat to the Democratic Party. Which is worse? You decide.